Q&A with Anthony McFly – Author Interview

We’re excited to welcome Anthony McFly to this Q&A, a writer known for bringing energy, wit, and genuine heart to his work. His storytelling feels approachable yet thoughtful, striking a balance between entertainment and insight that keeps readers hooked while giving them something meaningful to take away.

In this interview, Anthony shares an honest look at his journey as an author, from what first sparked his passion for writing to the lessons he’s learned along the way. Expect a relaxed, open conversation filled with behind-the-scenes moments, creative inspiration, and the personality that shines through both on and off the page.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

My name is Anthony, I’m from Bordeaux, France, and I’m 39. I’m a language teacher, an author, and a traveller. 

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

• A knife
• A fishing net
• Matches

Who is your biggest role model?

My Peruvian-American friend Tula. She fights for others like no one else I know. I wrote a piece about her on my Instagram page. I’m lucky to say that one of my heroes is a friend of mine. (It’s in French but the ‘See translation’ option is quite good!)

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

‘A Rebours’, by French writer Joris-Karl Huysmans. It translates either as ‘Against the Grain’ or ‘Against Nature’ in English. It was published in the late 19th century during the Decadent movement and is a unique and strange novel with no real story, and yet it is still gripping. I have been obsessed with this writer since I was 23 and I even have a line from this book tattooed on my ribs. 

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

I prefer physical books.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I’m a language teacher. Although I would love to, I’d be unable to write full time. Writing has been a hobby of mine forever, however I spend long periods of time without writing a single line. 

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Instagram. I post pieces of text in my grid, and my travel pictures in my stories. My social media platforms are:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

For the first novel, ‘Le Ventre De Mes Yeux’ (later translated as ‘Hungry Eyes’), I jumped right in and the story and themes evolved as I went along. I was 20, I just needed to get things out of my system. For the second novel, ‘Aux Abois’, which I wrote 14 years later, I had a very detailed plan. 

Where do you like to write?

Either on my laptop at a desk alone in a room or, if I’m anywhere else, I write on the ‘Notes’ app on my phone, with my noise-cancelling headphones on.  

What do you like most about writing?

I write when my ideas become an obsession. Writing allows me to get them out of my system and therefore to clear my head. At the end of the process you get a piece of text that will be here forever. You can go back to it whenever you want and you can share it with the world. I find the act of writing very difficult but the result incredibly satisfying.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

A lack of new ideas.

What genres do you like to write and why?

Realistic fiction. I write about plausible events, but that doesn’t mean everything is true or autobiographical.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Don’t give up just because your first draft sounds like the work of a 4-year-old. Spend time improving a sentence bit by bit. Correct it, correct it some more, and polish the final draft.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

I have written two books: ‘Le Ventre De Mes Yeux’ and ‘Aux Abois’. ‘Le Ventre De Mes Yeux’ has also been translated into English by my friend Nicola Clitheroe under the title ‘Hungry Eyes’. 
It’s impossible to choose between them, I love them both. ‘Hungry Eyes’ is the book about my 20s. ‘Aux Abois’ (which still only exists in French) is the book about my 30s. 
They are all available on Amazon. I am still looking for the right publisher. 

How long did Hungry Eyes take you to write?

I wrote the original French version of ‘Hungry Eyes’ within a year when I was 20. I then spent about 9 years correcting it on and off. It took my friend Nicola 5 years to translate it as she was doing it on and off as well. 

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

Receiving messages from readers, and reading what they thought about the books, or how they felt about the characters. Some people tell me they can relate to the main character. Some people tell me they are relieved they don’t know anyone like him in real life! I get a lot of strong reactions. 

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